Parents often worry about how travel might affect their infants, particularly regarding motion sickness. This article clarifies how motion affects very young children and offers ways parents can support them during journeys.
Why Babies Don’t Get Seasick
True motion sickness, including seasickness, is uncommon in infants. This is primarily due to the developing vestibular system, located in the inner ear, which controls balance and detects motion. While it begins developing around 16 weeks after conception, it is not fully mature at birth.
Motion sickness arises from conflicting signals sent to the brain from the eyes, inner ear, and body. For example, if a child looks at a book in a moving car, their eyes signal stillness while their inner ear and body sense motion. This sensory mismatch creates confusion in the brain, leading to symptoms. The system can take at least seven years to fully develop, requiring constant stimulation even into adolescence.
When Motion Sickness Can Start and Its Signs
Motion sickness begins to develop in children as they grow, typically emerging around 2 years of age and becoming most common between 2 and 12 years old. During these years, the vestibular system matures, and children become more aware of the conflicting signals that cause discomfort. Almost 1 in 2 children experience motion sickness at some point.
Signs of motion sickness in toddlers and young children include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell. Children might also appear pale, break into a cold sweat, become irritable, or yawn excessively. Younger children may not be able to articulate their feelings but might show discomfort by becoming restless or losing interest in activities. These symptoms are distinct from typical infant discomforts like hunger, fatigue, or colic.
Managing Discomfort and Motion Sickness in Young Children
For infants, focus on general comfort during travel. Ensure they are adequately fed, dressed in comfortable layers to regulate temperature, and have frequent diaper changes. Allowing fresh air in the vehicle and taking breaks during long journeys can also help. Bringing familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket can provide comfort in new environments.
For toddlers and young children who experience motion sickness, several non-pharmacological strategies can help:
- Encourage them to look at a fixed point outside the vehicle, such as the horizon, and try to keep their head still.
- Ensure good ventilation in the car and maintain a cool temperature.
- Offer small, light snacks like crackers before and during travel, while avoiding heavy, greasy, or spicy foods.
- Use distraction techniques, such as singing songs or playing simple games, but avoid activities that require looking down, like reading or using screens, as these can worsen symptoms.
- If possible, schedule travel during nap times, as sleeping children do not experience motion sickness.